Student Organizations: Boonshoft
Chapters of National Organizations
The Boonshoft School of Medicine hosts active chapters
to several national medical associations ranging from honor and service
societies to advocacy groups.
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA)
Alpha Omega Alpha is the only nationwide
medical honor society. It was founded in 1902 to recognize and promote
excellence in the medical profession. Eligibility for election to the
fraternity requires a ranking in the upper 25 percent of the class. No
more than one-sixth of the class may be elected. In addition to outstanding
academic achievement, the student must demonstrate leadership, integrity,
and compassion. Election to AOA occurs at the end of the third and fourth
years.
American Medical Association (AMA)
Founded over 150 years ago, AMA's strategic agenda remains rooted in
our historic commitment to standards, ethics, excellence in medical education
and practice, and advocacy on behalf of the medical profession and the
patients it serves. AMA's work includes the development and promotion
of standards in medical practice, research, and education; a strong advocacy
agenda on behalf of patients and physicians; and a commitment to providing
accurate, timely information and discourse on matters important to the
health of America. The AMA strives to serve as the voice of the American
medical profession. Being that voice is our mission. Our most valuable
resource, our members, address the changes that surround them in today's
health care environment through the debates that occur at annual and
semi-annual House of Delegates meetings. The end result is the creation
of policies that direct AMA's immediate work activities, as well as provide
progress toward reaching our long-term vision. As a member of AMA you
will receive JAMA, as well as discounts on books and other learning
material.
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent
association of physicians in training in the United States. It was founded
in 1950 under the auspices of the American Medical Association with the
goal of engaging medical students to participate in organized medicine.
AMSA has since then become a fully independent, student-run organization
with a membership of more than 30,000 medical students, pre-medical students,
interns, and residents from across the country.
The Boonshoft School of Medicine chapter is a prominent and active organization,
sponsoring such activities as the annual medical instrument fair and
hosting guest speakers and offering opportunities to attend workshops
through the national chapter internships. In addition, the year usually
culminates in the annual AMSA convention, during which medical school
representatives from all over the country undertake an intense lobbying
effort for specific issues ranging from the institution of a patient's
bill of rights to diversity in medicine. For more information, visit
the National AMSA Web Site.
American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)
AMWA is a national network of nearly 11,000
female physicians and medical students who share many professional and
personal values and concerns. The Wright State Chapter meets once a month
and provides a range of interesting speakers and topics pertinent to
women in medicine.
Wright State’s AMWA chapter has developed a directory that lists
women faculty members who are willing to serve as mentors to students
and colleagues at Boonshoft School of Medicine. You may review this directory
in a .pdf format listed by either department or
by last name.
Christian Medical Association
CMA sponsors guest speakers from the community who address a variety of medical concerns and/or share their personal experiences, focusing on issues of health care and how to incorporate their faith into medical careers. Parties and other social events are also planned throughout the year. CMA welcomes all medical students who share a faith in Christ or who are interested in discovering the Christian life. Members are happy to help you find a local church if you haven’t already found one. The meetings and times of fellowship are open to all.
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)—Dayton Affiliates
This is a social and support group for gay and lesbian medical students and physicians which holds monthly meetings. The aim of this group is to deal with the social and professional problems that confront medical professionals who are gay, lesbian or bisexual and to address issues of prejudice and fear that exist within the medical community towards gay colleagues and patients. Monthly meetings vary from open rap sessions to potluck get-togethers, fostering a feeling of cohesiveness and support. For information, contact Robert Brandt, M.D., (937) 208-7070, Cynthia
Olsen, M.D., at (937) 767-6965; or Mary
White, Ph.D., at (937) 775-3167. Anonymity is assured.
Phi Rho Sigma
This is a social and community service organization open to all medical students. It gives students a chance to become involved with socially redeeming projects while spending time with classmates and upper class students. Lifetime membership costs $45. Major projects during the year include compilation of the BSOM student telephone directory, volunteering at the Special Olympics swim and track meet, the BSOM telethon, sweatshirt and t-shirt sales, and ushering at the hooding ceremonies. ΦΡΣ also donates to chosen charities. Social events are planned according to the wishes of members. Initiation into the society is an experience in itself.
Physicians for Human Rights
Physicians for Human Rights mobilizes health professionals to advance
health, dignity, and justice and promotes the right to health for all.
Harnessing the specialized skills, rigor, and passion of doctors, nurses,
public health specialists, and scientists, PHR investigates human rights
abuses and works to stop them. National site link.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
The SNMA, Inc., was established in 1964
as a nonprofit association which boasts 3,100 members and 122 chapters.
SNMA was born from a need to produce sensitive physicians dedicated to
providing quality health care to African-American, Latino, Native-American,
disadvantaged, and indigent communities. On the local level, the organization initiates and participates in several community-based activities, which include the Gem City Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Society; Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Program; the Senior Recognition Banquet; and various local health fairs. The organization also has an active involvement with pre-health undergraduates at the four local colleges. SNMA welcomes all medical students to share in the organization’s goals and activities.
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